SunPower joins Solar Impulse as official supplier

SunPower joins Solar Impulse as official supplier: After having provided its high-efficiency solar cells to the 1st prototype of Solar Impulse (HB-SIA), SunPower world-record technology has been chosen again to power the 2nd prototype (HB-SIB), the plane that will fly around the world in 2015.

To produce an aircraft that will take off and fly autonomously day and night, propelled only by solar energy, is a tremendous challenge that requires the best and most reliable technology. SunPower monocrystalline solar cells have been selected amongst many due to the unique Maxeon™ solar cell design, that combines lightness and efficiency. 12,000 cells are integrated into the plane’s wing and horizontal stabilizer, supplying four electric motors and charge the 400 kg lithium polymer batteries during the day, enabling the aircraft to fly at night.

“SunPower is definitely the leader in development of high-efficiency solar technologies. It provides Solar Impulse with the optimum solutions in terms of performance and lightness for our revolutionary airplanes”, explained André Borschberg, Co-founder & CEO of Solar Impulse.

"SunPower is a pioneer in its field and represents exactly the kind of partner we like to work with, in order to spread our message about the promotion of renewable energy”, added Bertrand Piccard, Initiator & Chairman of Solar Impulse.

Alternative Technologies Ltd are authorised installers for SunPower high Efficiency pv panels in the Maltese Islands.